by John M. Dahlen
Are you looking for a new adventure flight this year? Consider flying your aircraft VFR to the Russian Far East! The last time we were successful in completing this flight was in the summer of 2019. We initiated planning for the annual Alaska to Russia (AK2RU) flight for the summers of 2019 and 2020. Plans for both flights had to be waved off because the borders between Alaska and Russia were closed to general aviation tourism due to public health concerns in both countries regarding COVID-19. The Russian borders re-opened to U.S. tourism shortly after our decision date for the 2021 AK2RU flight. (See John Bone’s article “VFR Across Russia – Part 2” elsewhere in this issue). As I write this in mid-December, the borders are still open. So, for the third time in as many years, planning is now underway for an AK2RU flight; this time in the early summer of 2022. If this sounds like it might be the adventure for you in 2022, read on!
The 2022 AK2RU flight is currently being planned for departure from Nome, Alaska (PAOM) to Provideniya (UHMD) in the Russian Far East on June 5th. The return flight from UHMD to PAOM is June 9th. As with any VFR flight and any international general aviation flight, these dates are subject to change. Further updates and planning communication will be done via e-mail and/or online webinars.
The planned route is approximately 272 nm each way, which includes about 63 nm of open water over the Bering Strait. From Nome, we fly VFR generally north along the Alaskan coast over Tin City, and turn generally west at Wales to cross the Bering Strait. Weather permitting, you will have an amazing view of the Diomede Islands, between which is the international boundary between the US and Russia! Russian aviation route KR824, which replaced B369 in about 2019, begins at BATNI; a navigation checkpoint immediately south of the Diomedes.
English-speaking air traffic controllers are provided at Russian facilities, although mountainous terrain and heavily accented English can sometimes make communications a bit more challenging than you might be used to. Upon reaching the coastline in the Russian Far East, we turn generally south and continue along KR824 to Provideniya (UHMD). Fuel is not available enroute, but can be made available at UHMD if ordered at least 2 months in advance.
BATNI is the point at which you officially transition from US airspace to Russian airspace, and cross the US ADIZ boundary. Approaching this checkpoint from either direction is strictly regulated, and failure to comply can make your border crossing get really exciting, really fast (think F-22s or Su-35s with “follow-me signs,” figuratively speaking)! Once you have appropriately entered Russian airspace, you will find their controllers to be welcoming, helpful, and earnestly committed to making your VFR flying time in Russian airspace safe and enjoyable! In fact, my experience has been that, not only the ATC personnel, but also the local, non-aviation public welcomed us warmly and enthusiastically!
Detailed information will be provided via YouTube, Zoom or similar online networking to those interested. We use MAK General Aviation Services (MAKGAS), based in Moscow, as our contractor to handle our flight planning & filings, necessary aviation-related permits and services, and other needs when necessary. We have consistently had a very positive and helpful experience with Evgeny Kabanov who has historically priced MAKGAS services to be better than competitive! There is no language barrier, as Evgeny is fluent in English too. While on the ground in Provideniya, our ground activities contractor will have arranged food, lodging, and opportunities for you to experience local cultural sites and activities. We have very successfully used Tandy Wallack and Circumpolar Expeditions to handle this, as well as our Chukotka border entry permits and other ground-related paperwork requirements.
Your US passport must have at least 2 blank visa pages, and be valid for 6 months after your planned date of departure from Russia. We have successfully used Red Star Travel, in Seattle, to obtain visas. Note that you must have a valid U.S. Passport to send them in order to apply for your visa.
It is time for you to begin the initial planning steps now, as the initial process of obtaining your Russian tourist visa, and a Chukotka Border entry permit can easily take up to 90 days to process once you already have a current U.S. Passport. Some services can be expedited by paying additional fees (e.g. – FedEx or other overnight shipping of documents, expedited processing, etc.).
The Alaska Airmen’s Association charges no fees for our coordinating or emergency notification services, nor do we handle any money or billing matters with the contractors. Each individual will establish their own personal account directly with each contractor. Additional details will be provided to interested persons in mid to late January, 2022. but we do hope you will consider becoming a member of the Alaska Airmen’s Association (www.alaskaairmen.org) to support our efforts to preserve, protect, and promote general aviation services in Alaska.
If you wish to be on the Interested Persons List for AK2RU in 2022, please send me your name, e-mail address, and a phone number to AlaskanJohn@gci.net so you get all future communications and information. As we move forward, I wish each of you and your loved ones a safe, joyous, and prosperous new year! Onward . . .
John Dahlen is an Alaska Airmen’s Association life member, the current US/Russia Liaison, and heads the AK2RU VFR Route Development and Maintenance Working Group. He can be reached at AlaskanJohn@gci.net, or by phone/text at (907) 830-5889.
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